Pan-European liability rules get go-ahead

Pan-European rules for civil liability following transboundary environmental damage caused by industrial accidents will be negotiated, it was agreed yesterday. Member states of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UN/ECE) gave the go-ahead at a meeting in Geneva. The impetus to develop civil liability rules gained momentum after a cyanide spill at Baia Mare in Romania (EED 10/02/00) caused serious damage in neighbouring Hungary. EU member states indicated their support last year (EED 28/11/00). If negotiations go smoothly the rules could be ready for adoption in 2003, according to the UN/ECE. See press release.

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